Selecting the right accounting package can be difficult, particularly as there are so many options on the market. Price and functionality vary so widely as to make objective comparisons very difficult without spending a number of days on the selection process. The explosion of internet (cloud-based) accounting solutions has complicated the selection process as there are now many more options available. The benefits of cloud-based accounting Many people are opting for cloud-based software, due to numerous advantages which can include: Having your accounts 100% online, so there’s no software to install and everything is backed up automatically. Updates are free and instantly available; Seeing a clear picture of your current financial position, in real-time; Avoiding upfront accounting software costs – upgrades, maintenance, system administration costs and server failures are no longer an issue; Using your bank feeds to input your data directly into your accounts on a daily ba-sis; Taking a photo on your phone of a purchase invoice and it can be posted automatically; AND Seeing your results, who owes you money, who you owe money to and your business bank balance 24/7, 365 from your phone. Many providers offer free trials If you want to try various software options many of them do offer free trials. These will allow you to experiment with different packages to see which is best suited to you and your business. A list of your detailed business requirements would be use-ful when comparing packages as it is possible to overspend on software which your business doesn’t need and will not be able to use efficiently! Where do Peplows come in? We are here to help you with any of the steps involved in choosing and implement-ing an accounting package. In addition, we have preferential rates with some providers, so we may even be able to save you money. Please contact us for further advice and before making your next purchase.